Where Should You Not Put Bookshelves? Expert Advice for Mornington Homeowners

Bookshelves are a staple in most homes—functional, aesthetic, and versatile. But while choosing the right place to install a bookshelf gets all the attention, few homeowners consider the wrong places—until it’s too late. So, where should you not put bookshelves? Especially in a coastal location like Mornington, Australia, the answer has both practical and environmental implications.

With Leona Rodriguesi of Mornington Cabinet Makers, we explore the lesser-discussed topic of bookshelf placement with a local lens. Whether you’re in a beachside unit in Mount Martha, a contemporary townhouse in Mornington Peninsula, or a heritage home near Main Street, these insights will help you protect your books—and your investment.

1. Avoid Damp or Humid Areas: Why Moisture is the Enemy

Humidity and books are mortal enemies. Paper absorbs moisture quickly, leading to warping, mould, and even book rot. In coastal regions like Mornington, where salt-laden air and high humidity are more common, this is a major concern.

Do not place bookshelves:

Against exterior-facing walls, especially older homes with less insulation.
In laundries, bathrooms, or unventilated basements.
Near open windows where sea breeze brings in salty, damp air.

🧠 Pro Tip: If you’re set on using a room prone to moisture, invest in dehumidifiers and choose sealed cabinetry instead of open shelving.

2. Stay Clear of Direct Sunlight

It might seem ideal to showcase your first editions in a sunlit living room, but UV rays can fade book covers, weaken paper, and even warp wooden shelves over time.

Avoid bookshelf placement:

Opposite large north-facing windows (in the Southern Hemisphere, these receive the most sunlight).
In sunrooms, especially those with glass roofs or skylights.
Near balcony doors or bay windows that allow prolonged sun exposure.

🧠 Mornington Insight: Homes in suburbs like Mount Eliza or Frankston South often feature panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay. While beautiful, they often come with generous sunlight exposure—consider UV-tinted windows or curtains to protect both books and furniture.

3. Steer Clear of Heat Sources

High temperatures can dry out and damage both wood and paper. Shelving near heaters may warp or crack, and books may become brittle or start to degrade.

Bad locations include:

Above or beside radiators or wall-mounted heaters.
On fireplace mantels—the worst offender.
Close to air conditioning vents, which can fluctuate between extreme temperatures.

🧠 Pro Tip: In Mornington, where winter evenings often demand heating, be strategic about heat flow and avoid placing shelves near split systems or wood heaters.

4. Keep Away from Pest-Prone Areas

Insects like silverfish, termites, and cockroaches love dark, quiet, and warm places—exactly the conditions inside a poorly placed bookshelf.

Risky areas:

Near kitchen pantries, which can attract cockroaches.
Along skirting boards in older homes—prime termite real estate.
Inside unsealed garages or sheds, particularly in semi-rural Mornington outskirts like Tuerong or Red Hill South.

🧠 Local Insight: Mornington Peninsula Shire has active termite zones. Schedule annual pest inspections, especially if your bookshelves are freestanding and low to the ground.

5. Avoid High-Traffic or Vibration-Prone Areas

It might seem efficient to tuck a bookshelf under the stairs or in the hallway, but consider the wear and tear from foot traffic and structural vibration.

Avoid placing bookshelves:

In hallways or entryways, where bumps and scuffs are likely.
Against stairwells, where heavy foot traffic can cause micro-vibrations that loosen shelf brackets over time.
On shared walls with washing machines or high-vibration appliances.

🧠 Mornington Home Design Tip: In newer developments like those near Bentons Square, open-plan living spaces might tempt you to add bookshelves near multi-use zones. Choose anchored or built-in units to increase stability.

6. Don’t Block Natural Ventilation or Access

Bookshelves should never obstruct airflow, vents, or emergency exits. Improper placement may lead to poor air circulation, musty smells, or worse—fire hazards.

Avoid bookshelf placement:

In front of ventilation grilles or ducted air inlets.
Behind doors, especially in small rooms.
Along walls with hidden utilities like plumbing or electrical panels.

🧠 Pro Tip: Mornington homes often feature louvre windows and wall vents to take advantage of bay breezes—don’t let furniture placement compromise this passive cooling benefit. See Leona Rodriguesi of Mornington Cabinet Makers for more.

7. Not in Kids’ Bedrooms Without Proper Anchoring

If you’re decorating a nursery or child’s bedroom, you need more than style—you need safety. Unsecured bookshelves can be a tipping hazard, especially on carpeted floors.

Avoid:

Freestanding bookshelves taller than 1.2m unless bolted to the wall.
Open shelving units in play zones with heavy or oversized books.
Units placed on uneven flooring, which is common in older Mornington Peninsula cottages.

🧠 Local Tip: The Mornington Peninsula Shire Council offers guidance on home safety—particularly relevant for families renovating classic homes in areas like Somerville or Tyabb.

Optimizing Bookshelf Placement in Mornington Homes

While we’ve explored where not to put bookshelves, let’s briefly touch on smart placement to keep your books beautiful and accessible:

Choose interior walls with stable temperature conditions.
Use elevated shelving in garages or basements.
Install wall anchors in earthquake-prone or high-vibration zones.
Rotate your books seasonally to check for pests or damage.

Final Thoughts: Local Wisdom + Practical Design

In Mornington, bookshelf placement isn’t just about maximizing interior design aesthetics—it’s about protecting your collection from environmental hazards common to coastal Australian towns. With unpredictable moisture, fluctuating temperatures, and abundant natural light, knowing where you should not put bookshelves is just as important as choosing the perfect design.

From the sea breeze of Mornington Beach to the rustic charm of Red Hill, make your bookshelf decisions with local climate, interior airflow, and long-term preservation in mind.